Press Releases

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PRESS RELEASE FROM WEPF

SKY SPORTS COVERAGE OF WORLD EIGHTBALL POOL TO INCREASE IN 2013.
The new format for the World Championships which has been transmitted on SKY SPORTS for the past seven weeks has received much acclaim from viewers.
Whilst the Individual events won by John Roe and Sue Thompson showed increased viewing figures, it was the introduction of additional televised matches in the men’s team championship which has helped to show a new dimension to the sport. In-depth interviews in the televised stages have shown some of the great personalities we have in the championships giving a much better presentation of the individuals and teams involved.
With the 2013 Worlds starting on 23rd June, every country wants a chance to show their players on SKY SPORTS and it is planned to further increase the team coverage for next year.
Of all the games shown, it was the semi-final between Ireland and Scotland which demonstrated the passion shown in the team events in a truly memorable match.
The bottom line is very simple, WEPF have found a new way of showing the game of Pool on television which is exciting to watch and can compete with other major sports.
In addition to the 2013 World Championships being transmitted on SKY SPORTS it is also planned to televise the play-off section of the UK Tour Premier league which will vastly increase the T.V. coverage of the sport and more is planned for 2014. Further details will be issued when finalised in what is an exciting time ahead for the members of the WEPF and World Rules followers.
Other great news from the WEPF is the introduction of new international members from Morocco and Japan both of whom are eager to enter into the world arena and spread the sport into new areas of the globe. New Zealand are returning to the federation whilst our members in South Africa are experiencing a return to their former glory having recently hosted the British Lions in a test series.
Looks like exciting times for World Eightball in the coming years.

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PRESS RELEASE FROM EEPF.

WORLD RULES BOOM IN EUROPE.
Following on from the 2012 European Championships in Dublin which achieved record attendances for the event, the European Eightball Pool Federation (EEPF) can announce a further progress for the sport.
Next years championships which take place at the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool will have for the first time a total of 11 countries, 52 teams playing and over 400 players competing with Scotland continuing with their domination of the game in their country and looking to have over 80 members in Blackpool. From only 4 leagues in membership only 3 years ago the Scottish Eightball Pool Federation have increased to 24 leagues with a target of over 30 leagues in 2013.
Every country involved have increased in membership in almost every section of the European Championships with everyone determined to win the prestigious team awards although the record £ 15,000 prize fund in the individual events will most certainly encourage the top players to attend.
National pride from the EEPF member countries is at an all-time high with major increases in the attendance for the Under 21 and Senior sections. Several countries have requested additional teams particularly in Mens “B” section. It looks on the cards that when the countries visit Malta for the 2014 championships that a new Mens “C” section could be introduced.
It is not just the existing countries that are developing but there will be at least one new country joining the EEPF plus one of the WEPF new members Morocco have requested an invite to Blackpool as a guest nation.
And it is not only the EEPF which is increasing its membership, there will be an announcement shortly on new members within the World Eightball Pool Federation, the future for World Rules Pool is looking very bright.

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PRESS RELEASE FROM UK POOL TOUR

PROBLEM AT UK TOUR – TOO MANY APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
The introduction of the UK Pool Tour in 2012 was a major success for the sport in terms of interest from amateur level players and the quality of the events.
Without doubt the Open Draw format for the main Tour event and the Challenge event proved to be a major benefit to the members, plus the exclusion of Premier League players from entering the Challenge event. Prize monies in each event were spread amongst the players with everyone having a fair chance to be amongst the prize winners.
Introducing the Premier League a year early, it was intended not to start until 2013, was also a massive success story. Not only the players who were placed in the initial league have benefited from the early start, but the incentive for everyone involved on the tour to gain a place in the 2013 Premier League was a major feature of the entire tour.
Such was the success of the inaugural UK Tour that the organisers were caught napping in their valuation of the interest for membership in the 2nd year.
With the majority of the amateur tour members being of a similar skill level last year there has been an encouragement for players to seek membership for 2013 which has resulted in a dilemma for the organisers, “Too Many Applicants”. What a problem to have.
Venues were booked prior to the massive entry received which may result in under 200 entrants being able to play on next year’s tour, an increase of around 30% from the 2012 level . Entries are still arriving with applicants now at over 215, and more arriving every week. Any applicant who is not successful in gaining membership in 2013 will be contacted.
Organisers are again looking at increasing the number of tables at the 2013 tour venues to ensure all applicants are catered for but it is not going to be an easy problem to solve.
Discussions are already taking place with venues to allow an increase in entrants for 2014 to a level over 220 players which will enable the prize fund to be about £ 130,000 for 2014 plus the introduction of television for the play-off stages of the Premier League.
The “Festival of Pool” at Tour 2, Easter weekend, will be launched early January.
A big thank you to the members of the English Pool Association and everyone who is supporting the 2013 UK tour, the largest and best Eightball tour for amateur pool players.
UK Tour events will again be played in 4 Star hotels, using Supreme Tables, with Strachan quality fabric and top class Aramith Balls plus SKYSPORTS and World Rules.